Spring was now in full bloom and never before moving had Emma been woken by the sound of chirping birds. Ordinarily there'd be a hum of traffic throughout the night and a constant stream of bombarding light through every window. She was still adjusting to the calm and tranquillity of her new surroundings. Birds, however, seemed to be getting louder and louder with each passing day. Though there was something very welcoming about their varying songs, she wondered if it would ever get irritating. It took her a moment to realise she was alone in bed and her heart instantly sank.

It hadn't even occurred to her to sleep in her own bed last night, nothing seemed more natural than to curl up beside Regina. Regina! Emma quickly scrambled out of bed, threw on her dressing gown and headed for the door. It was now her time to wake to the smell of a freshly brewing pot.

"I hope you don't mind?" Asked Regina as she motioned towards the coffee pot. Emma entered the kitchen with a huge grin. She didn't even want to pretend that seeing this woman, domestically traipsing around her kitchen in her dressing gown wasn't one of the best feelings she'd ever had. Why did this feel so right?

"Absolutely not. You do what you want, so long as there's some left for me that is," she added with a cheeky grin and was rewarded with the brightest smile as Regina proceeded to pour her cup.

This was followed by an awkward silence as they both pulled up a stool.

"You know... Last night…" began Regina, really not sure of what she wanted to say. "I can't... I can't have an affair, last night was foolish." Emma looked almost heartbroken but she knew exactly where Regina was coming from.

"No, I agree… You know, perhaps we should ask the guys if they're up for an open relationship," quipped Emma, both woman looked longingly to one another for a moment before simultaneously bursting out in laughter.

"Yes, I'll just pop home now and ask the oaf if he'd be alright sharing me with you… I honestly couldn't say whether he'd even be homophobic or not. It's not really something we've ever needed to discuss. What do you think Killian would say?" Emma thought for a few moments.

"You know, I have no idea. I really don't know him at all…" She hung her head and tapped her fingers against her cup. "I've been thinking recently. I think I've been totally played." Regina furrowed her brow and moved in closer. Emma had quietened quite a bit. She placed her hand over Emma's, gently stroking it.

"How do you mean?" She asked as Emma looked up.

"I mean, I think this whole new life of ours is just one big charade. It would explain so much. I don't think he loves us at all, this whole thing was planned from the very beginning, he just needed someone stupid enough to fall for it."

"Hey, none of that Emma, you're not stupid!" Regina quickly retorted as Emma looked into her glistening eyes.

"No! I'm a sucker then, at the very least. This move, his job, this house, the ready-made family. It's all just a cover for his dodgy dealings, I'm sure of it. He's concocted this idyllic seeming life and family all so he can expand and hide his business. He's certainly not a fool I'll give him that, but I am."

"Hey, now you listen to me Emma. You are not stupid or a fool; you are the most genuine person I have ever met. You are kind, caring, loving and extremely considerate…"

"But I'm still a mug. I fell for false promises and I've somehow managed to trap us here. It wouldn't be so bad if it was just me, but I've done this to Henry too. I've trapped him here with me and now I know more about Killian's business, whether we like it or not we are involved and could even be implicated." She placed her head in her hands just as Regina noticed someone walking between their houses. She tapped Emma to get her attention and gestured towards the window.

"Who's that?" Emma quickly spun around.

"Oh, that's Smee, apparently. You'll be seeing him a lot. He seems to be Killian's courier of sorts. He brings packages and takes them away." She continued speaking as Regina stood and walked to the window. She'd taken her phone out and began snapping a few photo's.

"What are you doing?" Emma then realised she hadn't heard her and walked up to her instead.

"What are you doing?"

"Honestly, I'm not sure. If he's here all the time he must live local. I'll see if I can find out who he is." Emma gently pulled Regina around to face her.

"Hey, I don't want you getting involved in this as well. Regina, for all we know, this could be dangerous."

"Emma, you said it yourself, you're already involved in a sense and what about Henry? Killian will never see my phone, just let me see what I can figure out. I promise I won't do anything rash; I'll just do a bit of digging. I can't just leave you and Henry trapped like this, that's not happening, let's just see what we can dig up okay? I promise I won't do anything rash and certainly not without consulting you first, but I think it's more dangerous to not have any information now. This is your life Emma, your house… You said he has an alarm on his garage. Take my phone and snap a few pictures of his wares whilst I go and distract old Smee out there. It may be our only chance."

"What, Regina! No..!" It was too late; Regina had already run out the back door. Emma watched for a few moments as Regina casually walked from the back as though she was walking out of her house and up to Smee's van. He was just unloading the last few boxes. Emma ran to the door that adjoined house and garage and quickly opened it. Peering though, she could just make out Regina in deep conversation with Smee who had his back to the house. She did what Regina had instructed and took several photographs of the crammed shelves and a few labels she could see dotted around on wares and boxes. She took as many photos as she could before nerves took over and she ran back into the kitchen, ensuring the adjoining door was locked again. It was a few moments later that Regina appeared to say farewell to Smee and she walked back around the houses when Smee had returned to the garage.

"I can't believe you just did that. I had no idea you were so impulsive. Regina!" Emma wasn't angry but it had unnerved her.

"Well, I'm not normally, but honestly, I feel I could do anything with you and I certainly will for you."

"You literally just promised me you wouldn't do anything rash..."

"And I didn't, I just did the neighbourly thing... Honestly, if he's been around as much as you say, it wouldn't surprise me if I wasn't the only neighbour who's had a word with him. It won't take the neighbours around here long to realise he's not just a Fedex driver, they will want to suss him out." Emma sighed.

"That's a really good point. There are bound to be holes in this plan that Killian hasn't thought of yet, right?"

"More than likely, no-one's perfect, but is there a chance that he does have a genuine business?" Wondered Regina. Emma shook her head.

"I doubt it. I definitely hit a nerve when I queried its legitimacy on Friday."

"Okay, well it can't harm just to do a bit of research then, can it, figure out what you're dealing with, unless you want to potentially be stuck as a crime lords moll for the rest of your life?" Emma took a deep breath.

"Okay, fine, but promise me you won't do anything like that again. We'll just see what we can figure out and go from there, okay? We aren't Cagney and Lacey Regina, and Killian is certainly not a Harvey." Regina couldn't help but laugh.

"I promise… I promise I won't, okay?" Emma wrapped her arms around the brunette and gave the most appreciative smile before Regina pulled away.

"I meant what I said earlier though, I can't do this…" she pointed between the two of them as she spoke.

"Ugh!" Emma placed her face in her hands. "I know… I know." They both sat in silence for a few moments.

"What are you going to do about Leopold?" Regina shrank a bit and pulled her dressing gown around her middle, clearly not appreciating the shift in conversation, but she also knew this was only temporary.

"I… I don't know. I have to go back this afternoon. That is my house, my life and he…"

"Don't even say he won't do that again Regina, you can't truthfully say that, at least be honest with yourself."

"I know, but if it happens again, next time I won't be so stupid…"

"Hey, now it's my turn to tell you off." Emma gently took her chin and tilted it towards her. "You are not stupid; you are a beautiful person in every way. You could never have done anything to warrant what he did to you, okay?" She didn't let her go until Regina softly nodded.

"I know, but I spent too long trying to reason with him. If I even smell alcohol on his breath again, I'm just going to leave. I meant what I said to him. He may have a strength advantage, but he couldn't run if his life depended on it. I'm also not going to say I am planning on staying with him now either, but this is also my life, and I don't want to just abandon it. Maybe if you weren't here, I don't know… but if you're staying, so am I."

"And what if I left?" Emma took Regina's hands and held them close.

"Are you asking me to run away with you Ms Swan?" Emma beamed at the way she said her name.

"Possibly, I can't lie and say it's not something I wouldn't give anything to do right now, but you are right, there's too much to consider, my biggest priority being Henry."

"So, let's see what we can dig up on your husband's business dealings, just in case." Suggested Regina again.

"And what if you needed to get away quickly again, possibly for good this time. This weekend was a stroke of luck…"

"If I need to, I can stay at Granny's. I promise you I'm not going to put up with any more nonsense Emma."

"Good, as long as you've a way out, and in an emergency you do exactly what you did on Friday okay, Killian be damned, well sort that out if the situation arises, okay."

"Scout's honour." She replied, raising her fingers accordingly. "The same applies to you and Henry." They both stood saluting one another as Henry wandered though to the kitchen looking bemused.

"O…kay!" He whispered as he walked past them bee-lining towards the fridge.

"So what's the plan for today?"

"Plan?" Replied Emma as she offered him a choice of cereals.

"Yeah, I mean, what are we doing today? You said Killian wasn't back 'till this afternoon, I assumed we were all going to do something today."

"Oh, well…" Emma looked to Regina, though she wasn't sure why, it's not as though she wanted to go home anytime soon. "Sure, I guess we can do something. What did you have in mind?"

"I don't know, maybe we could go bowling or something. Nicholas says that's one of the best things to do in town."

"Bowling ay! What do you say Regina?"

"I say, bring it on…"

It only took them fifteen minutes to drive to the bowling alley. It was near the edge of town and was adjacent to the town's only cinema and, much to Henry and Emma's surprise, an ice-rink. Regina had explained this was basically all Storybrooke had to offer in terms of amusements and that it was the number one hangout for teenagers. Henry was already planning his next birthday party.

They entered the complex and all were amazed by its vibrancy, but it was very, very loud. There were several eateries near the entrance and it opened into a vast expanse filled with arcade and other interactive games, all of which were flashing and blaring a cacophony of sounds. One could barely hear one speak. Henry was thrilled. He scurried off to see what he could find as Emma and Regina slowly followed.

"I wasn't expecting all of this!" Shouted Emma, trying to rise above the noise. She turned to Regina who looked very uncomfortable. "Shit!" She walked up to the older woman and took her by the hand, leading her through the maze of lights and into the restroom.

"Hey are you okay?" Regina was fighting back the tears but there was no way she was going to succumb to this.

"I'm fine, Emma." Emma could see her resolve.

"Okay, then tell me what's going on."

"It's, it's nothing I've just never been anywhere like this since the accident. It's…"

"Overwhelming."

"Yeah, that's a good a word as any."

"I'll go and get Henry, we can leave."

"No , please. I need to do this. I can't avoid life just because I can't distinguish sounds properly." Emma squared Regina to her.

"Yes, but you don't have to jump in the deep end either."

"No! I'll deal with it. I just have to adjust. It'll be fine Emma, I want to do this." Though not thoroughly convinced, she needed Regina to be in control.

"Okay, fine, but you just say the word and we leave okay." Regina nodded and steeled with determination.

"Come on, let's find Henry, we literally just abandoned him."

"Oh he'll be fine; he's probably trying in vain to vanquish something already dead."

As predicted they did find Henry with a gun in hand, he'd already made a friend and together they were facing an ever increasing horde of the undead. Emma would love nothing more than to rip the game apart with Regina, but there was no way she was going to stand their shouting into her ear from an inch away in the vain hope she'd hear, hell, even she couldn't hear other people's conversation's from where she stood. Instead she took Regina by the hand and chose to watch the screen with her as limbs flew towards them and blood splattered all around until they screen finally cracked and went black.

"Right Henry, that's enough, if we are going bowling we'll have to do it now or we'll run out of time."

"Right-o!" Henry grabbed his Ma's hand and pulled her along. With Regina in tow they successfully managed to snake their way through the arcade and out the other side, stopping only when they reached the bowling alley desk. Thankfully, it was far quieter at this end. It was still very loud but there was also space and distance between all the commotion. Emma instantly saw Regina relax a bit, much to her relief.

Henry was already exchanging his shoes when Emma approached the desk. "One lane please." The server found an available lane and Emma swiped her card. The server suggested she try again. Regina silently watched the exchange as she re-swiped. Before the woman could shrug again Regina swiped her own and they walked to exchange their shoes.

"Thank you." Emma whispered close. "I will pay you back."

"Don't be silly," Regina replied as she tutted at the dreadful shoes as she tied them. "I've never liked these shoes. I don't understand why they can't make them at the very least semi-tasteful." Emma laughed, but Regina could tell it wasn't committed. "Emma, is everything alright, what happened back there?"

"I'm sorry, I do want to pay you back. I forgot that I don't actually make any money anymore." She laughed, ironically. "Killian said he'd give me fifty dollars a week to see how I get on." Regina grasped Emma's arm gently to gain her attention without alerting the whole complex.

"You have to be kidding me!" She growled, her anger emanating. Emma just looked solemn, not knowing what to say, she hadn't really wrapped her head around it herself. "Look, if you need anything you come to me okay. You do not need to be dependent on that piece of shit. I promise we will figure this out… together okay!" Emma couldn't fathom what she'd done to deserve this woman in her life and she wrapped her arms around her as though her life depended on it. At that very moment she felt like it did. They were still embracing when Henry approached them.

"Hey, is everything okay? Are we going to bowl?" Emma couldn't suppress a warm giggle as she pulled back.

"Yes Henry, we are going to bowl." He held out his arm and his Ma linked hers with his. He turned around and offered his other arm to Regina. She thought it was the sweetest thing.

"Well, aren't you the most chivalrous little Prince." He really seemed to appreciate the title and they headed off to find their lane. Luckily, it was around the corner and to the back of the complex, probably the quietest corner in the building.

"The good news is we can all have two go's each." Said Emma as she began to type in their names.

"Make sure you make me a prince now," smirked Henry.

"So I guess that would make me a queen?" Sassed Emma, to which Henry took over and was thrilled to rectify her name.

"Wait! What does that make me then, the peasant next door?"

"Don't be silly, you are my Ma's Knight in shining armour. Hmm… I think being a knight would make you a Lady." He corrected her name too, completely missing the adoring look the two women exchanged as they softly interlocked their fingers.

"Come on then, let's bowl."

"Who's first." Said Regina, just managing to tear her gaze from Emma.

"That'll be the lady." Grinned Henry, gesturing towards the bowling rack. Regina bowed as one would to a prince as she walked passed, before throwing a comment back.

"Don't you forget your promise to me, young man!" Regina threw out as she stepped forward to bowl. Emma approached her son so they could suss Regina's skill together.

"What promise is she talking about?" Emma was not going to ask, but she couldn't resist, her curiosity got the better of her. Henry sighed.

"I promised her I wouldn't change for anyone." Emma offered the proudest smile as her eyes welled up, only to be interrupted by the sweetest squeal from Regina when she obtained a spare.

"Huh," both Henry and Emma muttered at the same time as Regina returned to them like a care-free, giddy child.

"Oh game on!" Declared Emma as she nudged Regina playfully on the way past on her quest to find 'her' ball.